Catherine, the Princess of Wales, once again captivated onlookers with her timeless elegance at a Royal Engagement Ceremony, showcasing her iconic chignon hairstyle paired with a striking Philip Treacy hat. Known for its refined simplicity, the chignon has become a hallmark of Catherine’s poised public image, blending tradition with modern sophistication.
At the Royal Air Force Base in Coningsby, Lincolnshire, in October 2025, Catherine’s princess twist chignon, styled with soft precision at the nape of her neck, complemented her role as she engaged with personnel and observed training exercises. The structured yet delicate bun radiated formality and femininity, aligning perfectly with her ongoing support for the armed forces.
Earlier, at Trooping the Colour in June 2025, Catherine marked her return after health challenges with a rose-shaped chignon, intricately braided into a floral motif. This elegant style, paired with a Philip Treacy hat and a white-and-navy ensemble, underscored her resilience and the monarchy’s balance of tradition and renewal. Similarly, at the 80th anniversary of VE Day in July 2025, her side-swept chignon beneath a netted fascinator evoked 1940s glamour, harmonizing with a polka-dot Alessandra Rich dress and Collingwood pearl earrings for a nod to history with contemporary restraint.
Catherine’s chignon has proven versatile across occasions. At the St. Patrick’s Day parade in March 2025, her Celtic knot-inspired chignon paid tribute to unity as Colonel of the Irish Guards, complemented by a green Alexander McQueen coat dress and Jane Taylor beret. During her 2024 Trooping the Colour appearance amid treatment, a softly braided side bun projected serenity, while a sleek low bun at the 2024 Cenotaph Service of Remembrance conveyed solemnity. In 2023, a relaxed bun with loose fringe during a Shaping Us engagement in Sittingbourne offered an approachable, maternal tone, and a coiled chignon at the Order of the Garter ceremony reinforced ritual and refinement.
More than a hairstyle, Catherine’s chignon is a visual language of stability, self-control, and understated glamour. Each variation tells a story, adapting to the occasion while reinforcing her role as a modern royal. What do you think of Catherine’s iconic style? Share your thoughts below.
